Manchester: Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba may become the best player in the world in the near future.

Ferdinand played alongside Pogba at Manchester United for a couple of seasons before the French international departed for Italian giants Juventus in 2012.

Ferdinand, who was critical of Pogba's move to Italy at the time, was left impressed by the 22-year-old's performance in a 2-1 Champions League victory over Manchester City here on Tuesday night.

"Potentially, Pogba can be a Ballon d'or winner. I asked him: 'Why are you going? Where are you going? You're going to Juventus. That's not as good a league as the Premier League. You're at Manchester United. Where are you going? What are you doing'," Ferdinand told BT Sport.

"He looked at me deadpan and went: 'I want to be the best player in the world and I'm not playing. I want to go and play'."

The 36-year-old former England defender also opined that Pogba has the dedication and work ethic needed to realise his immense potential.

"I think he has the personality to be the best. I think Pogba really will go on to be the best player in the world in the next three or four years. He's got that personality. That desire to be the best player," Ferdinand said.

"The way he trains, the way he looks at his game. He believes in himself like not many other players I've seen."